Top 9 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s a look at what you may have missed this week:

1. The final blow? District severs ties with disciplinary school in East Falls

The School District of Philadelphia has decided to sever ties with troubled Delaware Valley High School, a for-profit provider of alternative education programs that serves roughly 500 students at two sites in the city. Benjamin Herold has the details.

2. Germantown homicide witness: ‘There was just too much blood. I knew he was dead‘

“I had blood on my shirt and thought I’d been shot. I wasn’t,” Harley Brunson continued. “When I saw Bryan’s sister on the ground by the door, I thought she’d been shot, but she wasn’t either. She just fell when she was running inside. Then I didn’t see Bryan inside.” A witness to a West Rockland Street homicide, and loved ones of the victim, tell NewsWorks‘ Brian Hickey about a tragic night in Germantown.

3. Some neighbors fear frozen yogurt shop ‘Chill on the Hill’ will be crime magnet

Will a proposed frozen yogurt shop in Philadelphia be a magnet for teens and crime? Some Chestnut Hill neighbors have fears that loitering and robberies will increase if Chill on the Hill comes to East Highland Avenue. Jana Shea delves into the debate.

4. State Rep. Youngblood takes voter-ID awareness push to Germantown rec center

Continuing her efforts to educate constituents about the nuances and implications of the voter ID controversy, state Rep. Rosita Youngblood (D-198) headed over to the 13th Ward in Northwest Philadelphia on Thursday night. NewsWorks was there to hear some surprising local revelations.

5. Kroc Center aquatics program receives $25,000 donation in response to East Falls parent’s winning essay submission

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center’s Aquatic Center accepted a donation of $25,000 from the Ford Motor Company Wednesday to enhance the center’s competitive swimming program. Check Matt Grady’s story for more information.

6. Artists sought for Ridge Flats project in East Falls

The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority’s Percent for Art Program is seeking examples of recent work from artists who wish to be considered to create an original permanent work of art at Ridge Flats. Check NewsWorks for all the details.

7. Back-to-school event gives away 150 fully loaded backpacks in Germantown

As the new school year approaches, so does the need for supplies ranging from backpacks and calculators to pens, pencils and notebooks. For some families, the expenses can become burdensome. Ashira Naftali-Greer brings you the story of a giveaway event designed to help defray those costs.

8. Arrest made in Chestnut Hill bank robbery

Philadelphia police say the man who robbed the Sovereign Bank in Chestnut Hill yesterday morning is in custody. Read more about the capture on NewsWorks.

9. Remembering Gilbert Fuller Sr., the ‘Mayor of Germantown‘

A few weeks ago, Gilbert Fuller closed his shop at 6327 Germantown Ave. and went home to die. Phillip Seitz wrote about his fond memories of the late Fuller.